Muscat: Troisi close to Caltex Socceroo return

Melbourne Victory boss Kevin Muscat believes James Troisi’s best form is still to come as the playmaker edges closer to a Caltex Socceroos re-call next month.

Troisi’s superb form for Victory this season not only has the club chasing down Sydney FC for top spot in the Hyundai A-League but also on the verge of a call-up to Ange Postecoglou’s squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Iraq and UAE.

With attacking midfielder Tom Rogic unavailable through injury, the 28-year-old is seen by many as the ideal replacement for the crucial games away in neutral Tehran (March 23) and then back in Sydney five days later.

And it’s hard to argue given Troisi’s impact for Victory since his return from a collarbone injury early in the season.

The former Juventus man has scored five goals – including a cracker against the Mariners on Sunday – and provided six assists for the second-placed Victory.

“I still believe the best of James is yet to come. He’s been superb,” Muscat told the Herald Sun.